December 31, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals rookie running back
Tahj Brooks has totalled just 45 yards on 16 carries to go with one catch for nine yards on two targets in 15 games this season. Brooks has been firmly entrenched as the Bengals' RB3 behind
Chase Brown and
Samaje Perine for his entire rookie campaign, relegating him mostly to special teams duties. The rookie sixth-rounder has cracked a double-digit snap share in just four games this season. However, seven of his 16 carries have come in the past two games, with the Bengals eliminated from playoff contention. With Brown posting big numbers in recent weeks and Perine continuing to be a reliable veteran on passing downs, it will be tough for Brooks to see many more opportunities in the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Cleveland Browns.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 31, 2025
After a career year in 2024, Kansas City Chiefs tight end
Noah Gray hasn't played a major role in the offense in 2025. Gray has totalled 18 catches (32 targets) for 148 yards in 15 games this season and has yet to find the end zone after scoring five times last year. The 26-year-old's lowest snap share in a game this season was 32.3% in Week 12, so the veteran was still a part of the Chiefs offense, but he has only been targeted on 13% of his routes, down from 16% last year. The Chiefs' pass-catching situation was much more dire in 2024 than in 2025, with
Rashee Rice back in the mix for most of the season, which in part led to the dip in production for Gray. However, with plenty of rumors surrounding the possibility of legendary tight end
Travis Kelce retiring at the end of the season, Gray could be stepping into a starting role in 2026, which would be a big boost to his fantasy value.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 31, 2025
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver
Jordan Whittington hasn't made an impact on offense this season, recording just 18 catches for 171 yards and zero touchdowns on 25 targets. Even with
Davante Adams (hamstring) sidelined recently, Whittington hasn't seen an uptick in playing time, playing just 18.1% of the snaps over the past two games. The Rams have relied more on the duo of
Konata Mumpfield and
Xavier Smith in Adams' absence while also leaning more into three-tight-end packages. That's left little opportunity for Whittington, even though he played a near every-snap role (92.2%) in Week 6 when
Puka Nacua was sidelined. With Adams likely out again in Week 18 versus the Cardinals, the Rams are likely to operate similarly to what they've shown in recent weeks. Even in deep leagues, Whittington shouldn't be considered as a fantasy option.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 31, 2025
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver
Dont'e Thornton Jr. has had a quiet rookie season, recording 10 catches (29 targets) for 135 yards and zero touchdowns in 14 games. Thornton earned steady playing time out of the gate -- 61.8% of the snaps over the first five weeks -- and drew at least two targets in each game. Known for his speed and big-play ability as a prospect, he showcased his explosiveness for the Raiders in the first three games of his career, hauling in five of his 12 targets for 94 yards. The Tennessee product posted a 25% explosive-catch rate, tied for the highest in the league among receivers with at least 12 targets during that span. The rookie fourth-rounder's snaps eventually faded, beginning in Week 11, where he played on only 38.3% of snaps and gradually declined every week until bottoming out to 7.4% in Week 16. However, in Week 17, with the Raiders competing for the No. 1 overall pick, Thornton's snaps spiked to 78%. He recorded just two catches (four targets) for 12 yards, but he had his most receptions and targets in a game since Week 3. Looking to 2026, Thornton profiles as a big-play threat who is unlikely to be a consistent producer week to week.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Pro Football Reference
December 30, 2025
Seattle Seahawks rookie tight end
Elijah Arroyo (knee) remains on Injured Reserve with a knee injury and will miss at least one more week for a game this Saturday night against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers that will decide the No. 1 seed for the NFC playoffs. The 22-year-old second-rounder out of Miami suffered a knee injury back in Week 14 and won't be eligible to play until the postseason. If the Seahawks beat the Niners in Week 18, Arroyo will have an extra week to heal up before the team's first playoff game in the Divisional Round. As long as
AJ Barner remains healthy the rest of the way, it's unlikely that Arroyo will return from his knee injury to be a key contributor in Seattle's offense as they look to make a lengthy playoff run. Arroyo has only had over two catches once in 2025 and has not gone over 44 yards in his 13 games. He has just 15 catches for 179 yards and a TD to begin his NFL career.
--Keith HernandezSource: Pro Football Reference
December 30, 2025
Denver Broncos running back
Jaleel McLaughlin has been more involved in Denver's offense since
J.K. Dobbins suffered a season-ending foot injury, but it hasn't exactly given him legitimate standalone value in fantasy football. The 25-year-old had a season-high seven rushing attempts for a season-high 40 yards (5.7 yards per carry) in the Christmas Day win over the Kansas City Chiefs while playing a season-high 22% of the snaps. It was a bigger workload for McLaughlin, but rookie
RJ Harvey still had double the carries for 43 yards and caught five of six targets for 33 yards and a touchdown in Week 17. Head coach Sean Payton is going to keep McLaughlin involved as the Broncos look to spark their ground game, but he's going to remain in a complementary role behind Harvey, who is the better all-around athlete. He'll be hard to trust as a flex option in Week 18 against the Chargers, even in deeper leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
December 30, 2025
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver/kick returner
Rashid Shaheed (concussion) was listed as limited in Tuesday's practice session, according to Josh Dubow of The Associated Press. Shaheed is in the league's concussion protocol after suffering a concussion in the first quarter of Sunday's win over the Carolina Panthers. It's good news that the 27-year-old wideout was on the field on Tuesday, but he has some boxes to check before he can get cleared before Saturday night's big divisional matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. If Shaheed doesn't get cleared to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale, it would open up
Cooper Kupp,
Jake Bobo,
Dareke Young, and
AJ Barner for more targets in the passing game. When healthy, Shaheed is a boom/bust deep threat for Seattle, who has been hard to trust as a WR4/flex in fantasy. In his eight games with Seattle, he has 14 receptions on 25 targets for 186 yards and no touchdowns.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Associated Press - Josh Dubow
December 30, 2025
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Chicago Bulls guard
Josh Giddey (hamstring) will "miss at least a few weeks" as a result of the hamstring strain that he sustained during Monday's loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 2021 No. 6 overall pick has played well throughout the 2025 campaign, averaging career-highs in points (19.5), rebounds (9.1), assists (9.2), and three-point percentage (39.0%). With
Coby White (calf) also battling an injury of his own, Chicago may roll with
Tre Jones and
Ayo Dosunmu in the starting lineup, making both players must-start options in all fantasy formats.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Shams Charania
December 30, 2025
Orlando Magic forward
Desmond Bane (back) is questionable for Wednesday's game against Indiana. He hasn't missed a game this season, although that trend may come to an end after he experienced back spasms in Monday's loss to Toronto. With
Jalen Suggs (hip) also uncertain to suit up, the team could be leaning even more on
Paolo Banchero and
Anthony Black, with
Tristan da Silva potentially gaining streaming value if Bane can't get on the floor.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Washington Commanders rookie wide receiver
Jaylin Lane (ankle) was placed on Injured Reserve ahead of his team's Week 17 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, ending his 2025 season. A fourth-round pick out of Virginia Tech, Lane flashed upside for brief stretches of his first NFL season but was ultimately unable to carve out a consistent role in the Washington offense when the team had top wideouts
Terry McLaurin and
Deebo Samuel Sr. healthy. Lane will finish the year with 16 catches for 225 yards on 32 targets across 15 games played. He did not record a reception over his final four games of 2025 and was targeted just four times across his final seven outings. Projecting forward to 2026, Lane profiles as a downfield threat whose ability to provide consistent fantasy production in Washington remains unclear.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
Orlando Magic guard
Jalen Suggs (hip) is questionable for Wednesday's contest in Indiana. He's already missed seven games because of the left hip contusion, so fantasy managers aren't overly convinced he'll be back for this one. If he doesn't return,
Tyus Jones will presumably remain in the starting lineup. Jones hasn't played the best in his eight starts, averaging 6.4 points, 3.6 assists, 2.1 boards, and 1.0 steals. With that said, he could be more productive versus an Indiana team that has struggled defensively throughout the 2025 campaign. Jones' potential might increase even more if
Desmond Bane (back) can't suit up.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Across 14 games in 2025, Denver Broncos wide receiver
Marvin Mims Jr. has recorded 35 receptions for 312 yards and a touchdown on 48 targets. Mims Jr. has struggled to carve out a consistent role in the Denver offense for most of the season to this point. However, the 23-year-old played 47% of the Broncos' offensive snaps in Week 17, his highest snap share in any game since Week 1. He's also earned 13 targets over the last three weeks after seeing just four targets across four games played from Week 8 to Week 14. With Denver wideout
Pat Bryant (concussion) battling a concussion, Mims Jr. could see his increased usage continue in Week 18 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Mims Jr. is also one of the NFL's most explosive big-play threats in the open field, so he's a threat to turn even a small number of touches into big production. His stock could be on the rise heading into Week 18.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
Atlanta Hawks guard
Trae Young (quadriceps) is questionable for Wednesday's meeting with Minnesota. He's been battling a quadriceps contusion, keeping him off the floor for Monday's loss to OKC.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker entered the starting lineup, finishing with a team-high 30 points, adding five assists, four rebounds, and two steals. He also shot 6-for-14 from behind the arc. If Young misses another contest, Alexander-Walker is a must-start, even with
Jalen Johnson (illness) and
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) back on the floor.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Matthew Golden has had an underwhelming rookie season, recording 28 catches for 353 yards on 41 targets across 13 games. The 22-year-old is still searching for his first NFL touchdown heading into the team's regular season finale in Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings. Golden has also been impacted by injury in the second half of the season, missing multiple games in November due to a wrist injury. On a more positive note, Golden played 53% of Green Bay's offensive snaps in Week 17, his largest snap share in any game since Week 8. Packers wide receiver
Dontayvion Wicks (concussion) suffered a concussion early in Week 17, allowing a pathway to playing time for Golden. Green Bay enters Week 18 locked into the number seven seed in the NFC playoffs, so the team has little incentive to rush Wicks back to the field. The Packers could also choose to be cautious with top wideouts
Christian Watson,
Romeo Doubs, and
Jayden Reed. Golden could be in line for a significant uptick in playing time in Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
Atlanta Hawks center
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) isn't listed on the injury report ahead of Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves. He missed the last 10 contests because of an illness, so he'll probably be limited from a workload standpoint in his first appearance after the lengthy layoff. However, Porzingis' presence will presumably send
Onyeka Okongwu back to the bench. Although Okongwu will still hold a role in the rotation, his fantasy stock won't be nearly as favorable as a reserve, especially with a challenging matchup versus a potent Timberwolves defense.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Across 16 games this season, San Francisco 49ers running back
Brian Robinson Jr. has recorded 90 carries for 391 yards and two touchdowns. The 26-year-old has spent the entirety of 2025 in a secondary role behind star 49ers running back
Christian McCaffrey, who leads the NFL with 399 touches heading into the team's Week 18 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Robinson Jr. has been fairly efficient when given the opportunity so far this season, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He's also proven to be a productive lead back at certain points in his career, recording 2,720 rushing yards and 22 total touchdowns across 57 career NFL games. However, his production upside in San Francisco is firmly capped as long as McCaffrey remains healthy. Robinson Jr. should not be on fantasy radars heading into Week 18.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
Atlanta Hawks forward
Jalen Johnson (illness) isn't listed on the injury report heading into Wednesday's game versus Minnesota. He wasn't feeling well, forcing him to miss Monday's loss to OKC, his first absence in nearly a month.
Vit Krejci got the start in that one, finishing with 18 points, two assists, and one rebound while shooting 4-for-10 from behind the arc. While Krejci might still see additional work if
Trae Young (quadriceps) can't suit up, his fantasy ceiling is considerably lower coming off the bench, even more so with
Kristaps Porzingis (illness) also in line to return. As far as Johnson is concerned, he should be more productive if Young isn't available, although he may have trouble surpassing his usual statistical expectations against a sound Timberwolves defense.
--Dennis ClausenSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Across a seven-game stretch from Week 5 to Week 12, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Tez Johnson recorded 22 receptions for 274 yards and five touchdowns on 34 targets. However, Tampa Bay has welcomed wide receivers
Mike Evans,
Chris Godwin Jr., and
Jalen McMillan back from injury in recent weeks, burying Johnson on the depth chart. Over his last five games, Johnson has hauled in just four catches for 18 yards. The 23-year-old has also played 16 or fewer offensive snaps in three consecutive outings. Heading into the team's Week 18 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, there is little indication that Johnson is ticketed for a significant role in the Tampa Bay offense. Johnson has shown enough in his rookie season to carry some upside in dynasty formats, but he should likely be off the radar of redraft fantasy managers in Week 18.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
Across 15 games this season, Minnesota Vikings running back
Zavier Scott has recorded just 195 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 42 touches. The 26-year-old did not record a single touch in Minnesota's Week 17 win over the Detroit Lions. However, the Vikings are dealing with injuries to both of their top two running backs,
Jordan Mason (ankle) and
Aaron Jones Sr. (leg). While both Minnesota veterans have a chance to play in the team's Week 18 finale against the Green Bay Packers, the team is out of playoff contention and does not have much reason to push players onto the field. Scott has shown he can produce as a receiving back when given the chance, recording six catches for 43 yards and a touchdown on eight targets with Jones Sr. inactive in Week 4. In deep fantasy leagues, Scott may be worth targeting on the waiver wire heading into Week 18.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
December 30, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie tight end
Sal Cannella made his NFL debut in last week's upset win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Cannella only played 35% of the offensive snaps and caught two of his four targets for 11 receiving yards. The 29-year-old was pressed into action in Cleveland's offense with
David Njoku (knee) missing another game, but it wasn't until rookie
Harold Fanning Jr. left with a groin injury that Cannella started becoming involved. Cannella ended up leading all of Cleveland's TEs with four targets, and that could be the case again in the Week 18 regular-season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals if both Njoku and Fannin aren't cleared to play in a meaningless game. Cannella will be a pretty big reach for fantasy managers in the final week of the season, but he's worth a look in TE-premium leagues with both Njoku and Fannin hurt.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
December 30, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver
Calvin Austin III (hamstring) was inactive for the team's Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The Steelers were also missing
DK Metcalf due to a suspension that will continue into the Week 18 regular-season finale this weekend against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. Tight end Pat Freirmuth led the Steelers in receiving with three catches for 63 yards against Cleveland. The 26-year-old Austin is trending in the right direction to return to the division-deciding battle against Baltimore this weekend, and with Metcalf out for another game, Austin could be heavily targeted by quarterback
Aaron Rodgers. Austin still won't exactly inspire confidence from fantasy managers with something still on the line in Week 18, as he has gone over 50 receiving yards just twice in 13 games, and not since Nov. 2. Austin has only found the end zone twice in 2025, too, with the last one coming back on Sept. 21.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
December 30, 2025
Chicago Bulls guard
Josh Giddey (hamstring) won't play Wednesday versus the New Orleans Pelicans. Giddey is dealing with a left hamstring injury that he sustained during Monday's matchup with Minnesota.
Coby White (calf) will also miss tomorrow night's tilt, leaving the team without its starting backcourt. Without Giddey and White,
Tre Jones will likely slide in as the primary ball-handler, while
Kevin Huerter and
Ayo Dosunmu will also take on extra backcourt minutes.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Chicago Bulls guard
Coby White (calf) won't suit up against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. He's dealing with tightness in his right calf. White's injury occurred in the first quarter during Monday's loss to the Timberwolves. In 16 games this season, the 25-year-old is averaging 19.2 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.2 rebounds across 28.1 minutes per contest.
Josh Giddey (hamstring) will also sit out, leaving
Kevin Huerter,
Tre Jones, and
Ayo Dosunmu with a heavy workload for Wednesday's clash.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
Memphis Grizzlies center
Jock Landale (calf) is available for Tuesday's meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers. He was out of action for two straight games due to a right calf strain. Across 30 games this season, the 30-year-old big man is averaging 11.0 points and 5.9 rebounds in 22.3 minutes per contest. With Landale back tonight,
Christian Koloko will likely see fewer minutes on the floor.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Grizzlies PR
December 30, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end
Jonnu Smith will be set up as a more attractive TE2 streamer in fantasy football for the final week of the regular season this Sunday night against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, with
Darnell Washington done for the year after breaking his forearm in Sunday's Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns. With Washington getting hurt, Smith ended up leading the Steelers with five receptions (five targets), although it amounted to only 18 receiving yards on a day in which Pittsburgh's offense couldn't get into the end zone. After a career year in 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, the 30-year-old Smith has predictably struggled in Arthur Smith's offense, posting a 37-220-2 line in 16 games. Smith's five targets in Week 17 were his most since Week 9, though, and he's now topped 20 scrimmage yards in three straight games. In deeper fantasy leagues, Smith will be slightly more attractive as a TE2 streamer in Week 18 versus the Ravens.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
December 30, 2025
Miami Dolphins rookie quarterback
Quinn Ewers threw his first two touchdown passes in a Week 17 upset win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, going 14-for-22 passing for 172 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in his second NFL start. The 22-year-old seventh-rounder from Texas added four rushing attempts for five yards. Ewers threw for 260 yards in his first start last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, but he threw no TDs and two picks. He wasn't exceptional on Sunday against Tampa, but he managed to avoid turning the ball over, with his touchdown passes going to receiver Theo Wease and tight end
Greg Dulcich. To close out the year, he'll get the division-rival New England Patriots on the road as the Dolphins look to spoil New England's chances of earning the No. 1 seed in the AFC and a first-round bye in the playoffs. Ewers should be considered as nothing more than a low-end QB2 option in his first meeting with the Pats.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com
December 30, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers center
Joel Embiid (ankle) is available for Tuesday's matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. Embiid missed Sunday's game against the Oklahoma City Thunder due to a sprained right ankle. He is averaging 24.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks across 30.0 minutes per game in six December games. With the star big man back in the mix this evening,
Andre Drummond will return to his backup center role.
--Andrew LennoxSource: NBA Injury Report
December 30, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee, ankle) was listed as a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, according to The Athletic's Matt Barrows. Pearsall aggravated a knee injury dating back to earlier this year and missed the Week 16 contest, but he returned for Sunday night's tilt against the Chicago Bears to play 81% of the offensive snaps. The 25-year-old former first-rounder looked good, too, leading the team in receiving with 85 yards on five catches (eight targets). Injuries have become an issue for Pearsall in just his second year in the NFL, but as long as he doesn't suffer a setback, he should be active in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Saturday evening versus the division-rival Seattle Seahawks in a game that will decide the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Tight end
George Kittle's (ankle) potential return this weekend could take valuable targets away from Pearsall.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
December 30, 2025
Utah Jazz guard
Keyonte George (illness) is set to suit up for Tuesday's matchup with the Boston Celtics. The 22-year-old has been feeling under the weather but has been cleared to play. George is averaging a career-high 24.2 points and 6.8 assists across 31 games this season. He provides plenty of fantasy value for this evening's contest as he has finished with at least 20 points in his last eight appearances.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Utah Jazz
December 30, 2025
San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle (ankle) was a limited participant in Tuesday's practice, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. It's early in the week, but it's a good sign that Kittle is back on the practice field after missing all three practices last week and being ruled out for the Sunday night win over the Chicago Bears. The 32-year-old veteran might need to upgrade to a full practice before Thursday to avoid taking a questionable tag into Saturday night's divisional clash against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 18, though. If Kittle returns for the contest that will decide the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture, he'll be a must-start TE1 in fantasy football lineups. In Kittle's absence in Week 17,
Jake Tonges stepped up in a big way, securing seven catches for 60 yards and a touchdown on nine targets as one of quarterback
Brock Purdy's favorite weapons.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
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